Bedroom Air Conditioner

[gypsyjim]

We have a 40' 2004 DSDP. Yesterday on our last day of a 2 month trip I started the gen and turned on the air (Florida). The bedroom air smelled like it was burning. I got up on the roof to confirm and it had a strong smell. I don't know anything about these air conditioners. I realize that it could be a motor or capacitor
Are part replaceable in these units?
Are the units simply throw away?
How are they to work on?
How difficult is it to replace?
Any suggestions on what to look at?
Thanks for your help
Jim & Viv

[GaryKD]

Hi Jim,

My recommendation is to wait and see if the smell goes away. With the smell gone, does the unit still work as advertised? If so, count your blessings.

To answer your questions:

The motor, start/run capacitors, gaskets, etc are parts that can be replaced. If the sealed cooling system goes bad (compressor, evaporator, condenser, leaks) the unit should be replaced. Due to the physical size and weight of the unit, replacement may be best left to a shop that has a lift. Once on the roof, installation is plug and play. Tightening the unit to the roof requires a delicate feel for "snug". One does not want to over compress the gasket between the unit and the roof.

Taking the cover off is usually four screws. Once off, you may be able to see the motor and the impeller that cools the condenser. Everything else is under an additional set of covers. Under a small cover is usually the start and run capacitors. If you remove this cover, you can look at the capacitors and see if they look melted or burned. If so, they can be replaced. It is a unplug and plug in the new capacitors. Discharge them (screw driver across the connections) before starting the removal. Under a larger cover is the evaporator and impeller that moves air through the HVAC ducts. You may also find the thermostat and electrical connections here.

The bottom line is all this takes time. If you are in Florida (like me). Now may not the time of year to be on the roof of your coach.

[imgoin4it]

Agree with the wait and see, however your's sounds (and smells) like our's. The capacitor as well as the board in the unit was smoked and burnt. They both had to be replaced.